Library Reads: November 2026

         

 It's LibraryReads day and that means four things here on RA for All

1. I post the list and tag it “Library Reads” so that you can easily pull up every single list with one click.
2. I can remind you that even though the newest list is always fun to see, it is the older lists where you can find AWESOME, sure bet suggestions for patrons that will be on your shelf to actually hand to them right now. The best thing about LibraryReads is the compound interest it is earning. We now have hundreds and hundreds of titles worth suggesting right at our fingertips through this archive OR the sortable master list allowing you to mix and match however you want.
3. You have no excuse not to hand sell any LibraryReads titles because there is a book talk right there in the list in the form of the annotation one of your colleagues wrote for you. All you have to say to your patron is, “such and such library worker in blank state thought this was a great read,” and then you read what he or she said.
4. Every upcoming book now has at least 1 readalike that is available to hand out RIGHT NOW. Book talk the upcoming book, place a hold for it, and then hand out that readalike title for while they wait. If they need more titles before their hold comes in, use the readalike title to identify more readalike titles. And then keep repeating. Seriously, it is that easy to have happy, satisfied readers.

So get out there and suggest a good read to someone today. I don’t care what list or resource you use to find the suggestion, just start suggesting books.

Please remember to click here for everything you need to know about how to participate. 

And finally, here is LibraryReads' extremely helpful Resources page.

Now let's get to the November 2026 list.... 

Psst...Would you prefer to see the list unveiled as a video? LibraryReads has got you. Click here for the November list video.

 

Kemmerer, Brigid

Captive Traitor King: A Novel

Avon

11/3/2026

Book 2 in the Braided Fate series finds Ky, Jory, and Asher in a high-stakes, fragile alliance, where betrayal is lurking around every corner, and dark secrets could tear them apart.  Brigid Kemmerer delivers a sequel full of magic, royal intrigue, and love that will captivate her readers once again.

--Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY

NoveList read-alike: The Beast by Katee Robert

And now the rest of the list... 

Burton, LeVar with Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts

Take My Word for It: A Memoir

Random House

11/10/2026

Actor, library advocate,and Reading Rainbow star Burton reflects on his life in this searingly honest memoir. From growing up in the Civil Rights era, to dealing with fame, Burton always kept family,his identity, and storytelling at the heart of his journey,making this a fascinating and moving book.

--Mary McCullough, State Library of Kansas, KS

NoveList read-alike: Creating Reading Rainbow by Barbara Irwin

Cobb, May

All the Little Secrets: A Novel

Sourcebooks Landmark

11/17/2026

This thriller should come with a “May Day!” disclaimer! Hurricane May Cobb lands in Longview again with some of the scandalous characters featured in her best-selling first in the series, All the Little Houses. After that book’s cliffhanger of an ending, this new one gives us even more sex, murder, and ambition, oh my!

--Carol Ann Tack, Merrick Library, NY

NoveList read-alike: Sisterhood Above All by Kathleen Barber

Cowles, Catherine

Beneath a Midnight Moon

Bloom Books

11/17/2026

After a traumatic night years ago, Aster and Maverick meet again, and their rivalry reignites. When Aster is in danger of losing her family ranch, Maverick does the last thing she expects: proposes. With a fake engagement, a killer on the loose, and the past threatening their present, this book is an exciting return to Cowles’ Starlight Grove.

--Kyler Epstein, Abington Community Library, PA

NoveList read-alike: Haven Brothers series by Claire Kingsley

Flower, Amanda

The First Ladies' Guide to Murder

Kensington

11/24/2026

Following her divorce, Nellie Grant, daughter of President Ulysses S. Grant, returns to Washington DC with her children. Whilst attending a dinner at the White House with her mother and the first lady, Frances Cleveland, a brooch disappears, and a mystery begins, which only the ladies can solve. An excellent story from a favorite author!

--JR Ring, Baltimore County Public Library, MD

NoveList read-alike: Marigold Manners mysteries by Elizabeth Hobbs

Jensen, Danielle L.

Defy the Dusk: Book One of The Sundering Duet

Del Rey

11/3/2026

Lirien avoids using her magic to cause destruction and the forced breeding program. When taken prisoner by the people whose world she destroyed, she doesn’t expect to feel for them and their rebel cause. Forced to work with their leader, Vox, to clear tunnels full of rodent monsters, Lirien can't deny the attraction she feels. Book one of this new series gives off enemies to lovers vibes, solid world building and characters.

--Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin,TX

NoveList read-alike: Conform by Ariel Sullivan

Nava, Danica

Sunflower Season

Berkley

11/3/2026

Fed up with her intense tech job, June decides to leave the city behind and buy a run-down sunflower farm. Her first love, Noah, is still living in town as a local firefighter. As they start crossing paths again, old feelings quickly resurface alongside plenty of unresolved drama. A delightful second-chance romance.

--Alene Moroni, Forbes Library, MA

NoveList read-alike: Fall Into Place by Kristyn J. Miller

Starling, Caitlin

Milkteeth

St. Martin's Press

11/10/2026

As a broodmother, Beatrice must raise and care for two young vampires when she decides to take in a third with ghoul-like tendencies. As Beatrice becomes overwhelmed and her own body mutates and craves the forbidden flesh, she seeks help from a mortal OB/GYN. This unique vampire horror read is gruesome, thought-provoking, and unputdownable.

--Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, MI

NoveList read-alike: Motherless Children trilogy by Glen Hirschberg

Wilson, Carter

When They Find Me

Poisoned Pen Press

11/10/2026

Annie and her daughter live in a remote Colorado town. Living off the grid, they have a safe room and an escape plan. Their quiet life is shattered when an old motor home pulls into their driveway, bringing a trio hell-bent on revenge. This nonstop thriller is packed with powerhouse twists and surprising turns.

--Magan Szwarek, LibraryReads Ambassador, IL

NoveList read-alike: No Exit by Taylor Adams

Zentner, Jeff

Love, Like Apples

Grand Central Publishing

11/3/2026

A man recalls his part in creating an innovative 1970s puppet tv show. The novel is heartwarming as it explores love, friendship, and found family during the show’s growing pains from breaking boundaries. The story gives hope to those who work to change the world one small action at a time. 

--Jennifir Huston, Boyden Library, MA

NoveList read-alike: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Board Bonus pick:

Marsden, Gracie

Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice: A Novel
Viking

11/10/2026

Notable Nonfiction: 

Meyer, Patricia Knight

Wonderland: Memoir of a Black Market Adoption

Unsolicited Press

11/3/20206

See our social media for annotations of the bonus picks

Click here to see the entire Hall of Fame

Th

e LibraryReads Hall of Fame designation honors authors who have had multiple titles appear on the monthly LibraryReads list since 2013. When their third title places on the list via library staff votes, the author moves into the Hall of Fame. Click here to see the Hall of Fame authors organized in alpha order. Please note, the current year's Hall of Fame lists are pulle

November 2026 Hall of Fame as a video is also here.

Bradley, Alan

Numb Were the Beadsman's Fingers: A Flavia de Luce Novel

Bantam

11/3/2026

Klune, TJ

Murmuration

Tor Books

11/17/2026

Roberts, Nora

Birth of the Witch

A Coven of Three Trilogy Book 1

St. Martin's Press

11/17/2026

Scalzi, John

Monsters of Ohio

Tor Books

11/3/2026

Bonus-- read my interview with John Scalzi in the current issue of Booklist Reader, here.